Pembleton’s Lab: Maple Syrup

In Canada, maple syrup is everywhere. While eating breakfast, Ducky asked “Where does this stuff come from?” As he poured a little more on to his pancakes. “I love maple syrup.”

Pembleton excitedly ran to his office, grabbed his earth science book, and brought it back to the table. He opened the book and searched through the pages until he found a page with a brightly colored tree. He pointed at the tree and said, “That is where maple syrup comes from”.

Ducky looked at Pembleton cross-eyed and said, “What?! How can maple syrup come from a tree? I don’t see any fruits on that tree.”

“It doesn’t come from fruit, silly.” Pembleton replied. “It comes from the sap. Look here. Farmers have to tap the trees and harvest gallons and gallons of sap. 40 gallons to be precise. Then they have to boil it down until there is only one gallon left and that becomes yummy syrup. Then they bottle it and ship it to the store.”

“Why do they boil it? It seems like such a waste.” Ducky said.

“Well the sap isn’t very good on it’s own. In order to get the great taste we all know and love, it needs to be concentrated. That’s why they boil it.” Pembleton said matter of factly.